REPORT OF THE PLUMBING & GAS INSPECTOR
I hereby submit my annual report on the activities of the Plumbing and Gas Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 2007.
Plumbing Permits: 333
Gas Permits: 329
Total: 662
Plumbing fixtures: 1259
Gas fixtures: 456
Total: 1715
The sum of $33,781.00 was collected for the above permits and was turned over to the Town Treasurer. This is an increase of $3,991.00 in revenue over last year. The net result shows immediately with the increase in revenue. The net decrease in permits issued was 136; the total fixture count is down by 349.
This is just a small summary of 2007 and potential challenges for 2008. With the introduction of the new Plumbing and Gas Code by the Board of State Examiners, many issues have arisen in the past year. Numerous changes have been made to CMR 248 and NFPA 54. Many of the inspections done over the past year have been failed due to the fact that many of the licensed personnel are not aware of or fully understand the changes in the State Code and/or in the NFPA regulations. These situations result in at least one reinspection if not more. The coming year will bring a new set of challenges given the large development planned for Canton Street and the modernization of the apartments at Rosemount (Chestnut West). I am sure these jobs will be time sensitive and fast
tracked. These developments will demand a substantial amount of attention.
At present the State Board of Examiners has in place the requirement for continuing education for all local plumbing/gas inspectors. I have completed the required education for local plumbing/gas inspectors for the years 2006-2007. There is no educational requirement for individual plumbers or gas installers now. The Board is in the process of developing a program that would make education a requirement of licensing and renewals of licenses.
Another challenge facing the department is the changing demographics within the town. This translates into a language barrier in regard to code enforcement issues. Many times customers are not aware that a licensed plumber is required to pull permits and get the inspections. This also applied to gas installations. These conditions not only exist within the residential community but also within the commercial community.
I’m sure you are aware of the budgetary constraints that this department is under. The department continues to operate and serve the town regardless. I would like to bring up the fact that there has been no salary increase for the last nine years and this should be reviewed. A master plumber salary rate is anywhere from $90.00 - $120.00 per hour. You must be a master plumber to be an inspector. The salary for this job averages out to roughly $13.00 - $15.00 per hour. In my private concern, I start my apprentices (who have very little knowledge) at $15.00 per hour with health insurance. This salary issue should be addressed and I would be happy to discuss it.
I want to thank my assistants, the employees of the building and wiring department, the employees of the Board of Health, the Board of Selectmen and the Police and Fire Departments for all of their assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Curran, Jr., Plumbing & Gas Inspector
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